In Ecuador, a de facto union, also known as a civil union, serves as a legal alternative that guarantees couples the same rights as traditional marriages without the social pressures of a wedding. Couples living together in a stable relationship for at least two years can register this union and access a range of rights, including property and inheritance rights, commonly associated with civil marriage.

Legal expert Julián Fernández highlights misconceptions surrounding de facto unions, noting that many couples incorrectly believe these unions do not confer legal rights or obligations, and that they dissolve automatically upon separation. This misunderstanding can lead to potential legal challenges for couples who assume they do not have protections similar to those afforded by marriage.

The Ecuadorian Civil Code reinforces the legitimacy and rights associated with de facto unions, defining them as stable and monogamous relationships formed by two individuals free from previous marital ties who create a domestic life together. Thus, through legal registration, couples can ensure their partnership is recognized, enabling them to safeguard their collective interests and navigate issues of inheritance and property ownership effectively.